The latest information has been announced for the second season of the TV anime Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story- Kyoto Arc (broadcasting on Fuji TV starting October 3). The second key visual, the third PV, and additional cast information have been unveiled. The opening theme for the first cour will be "Iranai Mono" by Tatsuya Kitani × Natori.

The additional cast includes Haruka Tomatsu (as Yumi Komagata), Wataru Hatano (as Anji Yukyuzan), and Nobuhiko Okamoto (as Cho Sawagejo), who will play members of Shishio's faction.

The new TV anime of Rurouni Kenshin, which started broadcasting in July 2023, reconstructs the original story from the first episode with the latest animation technology. The original author, Nobuhiro Watsuki, is completely supervising the entire work, including character design and scenario. With an entirely new cast, the new TV anime Rurouni Kenshin is being released to the world about 30 years after the serialization began.

In the second season, the protagonist Kenshin Himura's peaceful days at the Kamiya Dojo take a sudden turn, depicting his arduous journey confronting Makoto Shishio.

Tatsuya Kitani's Comment

Perhaps there's nothing that one must do even at the cost of losing the happiness at hand or the people one should protect. However, there are moments in life when we cannot stop running down the path we've chosen, possessed by self-righteous morality, and I believe there's a certain righteousness in that. I felt that the anguish of being torn between two choices is also a beautiful human trait, so I put that into the song. I hope you enjoy it.

Natori's Comment

It's a beautifully gritty song that portrays the figure of someone who has decided to protect what must be protected, no matter how many seasons pass, even if all love, kindness, and pain turn into curses. Please listen to it.

Yuichi Nakamura as Seijuro Hiko Comment

Since I watched this work when I was in middle school, not only the content but also what I was doing at that time came back to me all at once. Speaking in terms of Rurouni Kenshin, I remember doing 'Gatotsu' on rainy days on my way home. I'm grateful to be involved in bringing back such a historically significant work to the present day.

Since he's the protagonist Kenshin's master, I think I have to properly convey his dignity. He's quite an eccentric character, so I'm really looking forward to playing him.

Makoto Furukawa as Makoto Shishio Comment

I was honestly more surprised than happy when I was chosen through the audition to play Makoto Shishio. Since the Kyoto Arc hit me directly when it was serialized, I feel honored once again.

He is a charismatic villain, a man with unparalleled ability in the story. I'm striving to express the undiminished impression from back then to the fullest. Though it's an all-out effort, I'd be grateful if you enjoy it.

Daiki Yamashita as Sojiro Seta Comment

I have an older brother, and we were both Jump kids, so we read the manga and watched the 1996 anime together! I never imagined I'd get to appear in such a work... I'm truly honored. It was hard to suppress my extraordinary feelings from the time of the audition!

Since I myself have a lot of emotional aspects, I think it's important to subtract various emotions. Especially for Sōjirō, I'm focusing on shaving off all parts except for a certain point, denying the obvious aspects of being human.

Haruka Tomatsu as Yumi Komagata Comment

I was very happy because I never thought I would be chosen in the audition! It's like a dream even now to be able to appear in Rurouni Kenshin, which I've known since I was a child.

I feel a tightness in my chest when I think about her life so far, with her tragic past, but she's a sexy, mature lady. I want to bring out her charm, fully serving Shishio-sama with all my might, and sometimes being a bit playful, so I'll do my best!

Wataru Hatano as Anji Yukyuzan Comment

Since I liked the original and collected the comics during my student days, I couldn't believe it when I heard the audition results. Among the Ten Swords, Anji the Monk left a particularly strong impression. Everyone imitated the 'Futae no Kiwami' back then. I'm honored to be able to voice him.

He has a solid reason for seeking strength. I intend to cherish and carefully portray his 'inner self' rather than his destructive outward appearance. Anji Yukyuzan is a man with a unique individuality among the Ten Swords. Thank you for your support.

Nobuhiko Okamoto as Cho Sawagejo Comment

I was very happy because I'm from the generation that read it right when I was a child. I was also excited about the title of being one of the Ten Swords. Since he's a character who talks a lot, combined with his friendly personality, I'd like to be able to use both his talkative and serious sides.

Since his speech style isn't standard Japanese but Kansai dialect, I struggled while performing. And since he's the first of the Ten Swords to have a full-fledged fight, I hope I can leave an impression so that with Cho's appearance, this organization will become known as an 'amazing group.

Source : ORICON NEWS